* The Henry Ford might write about its Lotus-Ford rather often in comparison to the rest of the cars in its collection, but as we see from the in-depth story the museum posted on it this past week, the results are always worth it.

* As one of the oldest road-going vehicles, the 1866 Dudgeon “Red Devil” steamer is significant in and of itself, but as Vanderbilt Cup Races pointed out this week, it was also at the center of a contentious series of lawsuits over its correct ownership.

SUGGESTED READING

Autobug2says:

January 21, 2017 10:39 am

The literature collection of Steve Hayes is the fodder of dreams for those of us who collect brochures. I had heard of him in circles, but really had no idea of what his stash consisted of! Talk about the Holy Grail..
What I have in mine is nothing in comparison, but I’m somewhat specific in what I acquire. I have more model cars than brochures, but need the literature when building models. There’s no better visual reference short of the actual car to study. While I can’t afford to get into the bidding, I wish those that do the best of luck. sounds like everyone will come away with real treasures!

Edwin Vinsonsays:

January 22, 2017 7:08 am

Interesting article about Steve Hayes collection. My late brother Z Taylor Vinson amassed over 60,000 catalogs and auto memorabilia. When he died in 2009 he left his collection to the Hagley museum in Wilmington DE where it is on display today. Perhaps Mr. Hayes would be interested in. Keeping his collection together at the Hagley. If u know how to contact Mr Hayes please pass this along… thank you !
Edwin Vinson

Steve Hayessays:

August 13, 2017 4:17 pm

Speedyksays:

January 21, 2017 12:16 pm

I have a question that someone here might know the answer to. I read the fine article about the Lotus/Ford and then decided to read up on the 1964 Indy 500. The Wikipedia article mentions more than once that no one raced on Goodyear tires that year, it seems like it must be of importance for someone to stress that. I know there was a terrible accident (ironically attached to a car designed by Mickey Thompson, another tire supplier), but why is Goodyear so carefully distanced from that race? In what sounds like highly specific lawyer-ese?

Howiesays:

January 22, 2017 11:22 am

ericsays:

January 22, 2017 8:20 pm

There is information in the article if you follow the link, and a link to the auction company’s site.
A relative had a collection gathered over 15 years, 1959-1974, that he acquired at an annual new car show.
Every U.S. make and every foreign make that was sold in his city.
They were kept in pristine condition.
In the mid 90’s when it was time to sell the house, not a single sole wanted one of them, despite extensive advertising, including Hemmings. Tried for 2 years. Offered many for free. Thought maybe someone restoring a 68 GTO, for example, might want one.
So I kept a couple, my cousin a couple, and the rest went to the dump.

Ken Smithsays:

January 22, 2017 12:19 pm

Ozstatmansays:

January 22, 2017 5:59 pm

In regard to rear engined cars at Indy what about Jack Brabham in a rear engined Cooper powered by a Coventry Climax engine which qualified 17th and finished 9th. That was THE START to rear engined cars at Indy.
Wikipedia link – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1961_Indianapolis_500

philip de schauwersays:

January 22, 2017 11:30 pm

L Woodsays:

January 22, 2017 11:59 pm

According to racegoodyear.com, A.J. Foyt encouraged Goodyear to start a development program for the Indy 500 in 1963. Then in 1964 one of the series races was won by Goodyear. In 1965, twelve cars raced Indy on Goodyears starting the rivalry between Goodyear and Firestone. IIRC Smokey Yunicks book, The Best Damn Garage in Town, may say more about this.

Art Garnersays:

January 27, 2017 12:25 pm

There’s a chapter on the 1964 tire wars in my book, “Black Noon, The Year They Stopped The Indy 500.” It started in 1963 when Firestone brought a special tire that was initially made available only to the Lotus Fords. It eventually was provided to all teams, but Foyt was so upset he started immediately after the 1963 race to develop a Goodyear tire for the Speedway and thought he had what was needed. But Goodyear engineers changed the tire for safety reasons and the Firestones turned out to be faster. The night before qualifying, Foyt called Goodyear president Vic Holt direct. This is how Foyt said the conversation went.

“Vic, you gotta tell those guys to let use that tire (the one he had developed). It’s the only chance we’ve got and we’ve all worked too hard to blow it now.”

Holt said there was nothing he could do, company policy left it up to the engineers when it came to racing tires.

“Well they may be experts about building tires, but they’re sure as hell not experts about driving them. That’s my job. I know that tire’s safe. Let me use the tire and I’ll sign an affidavit taking full responsibility. It my judgement against my ass.”

Holt again said there was nothing he could do.

“Okay then, I’m running Firestones,” Foyt said and hung up.

Foyt was still upset with Firestone and while he used the tires in the race, he wore his Goodyear uniform.